Like many southeast Florida neighbors, Fort Lauderdale has long been revitalizing. In a state where gaudy tourist zones often stand aloof from workaday downtowns, Fort Lauderdale exhibits consistency at both ends of the 2-mile Las Olas corridor. The sparkling look results from upgrades both downtown and on the beachfront. Matching the downtown's innovative arts district, cafés, and boutiques is an equally inventive beach area, with hotels, cafés, and shops facing an undeveloped shoreline, and new resort-style hotels replacing faded icons of yesteryear. Despite wariness of pretentious overdevelopment, city leaders have allowed a striking number of glittering high-rises. Nostalgic locals and frequent visitors fret over the diminishing vision of sailboats bobbing in waters near downtown; however, Fort Lauderdale remains the yachting capital of the world, and the water toys don’t seem to be going anywhere.

2

HARBOUR ISLAND

Bahamas

mié 21 oct

miércoles 21 oct

12:00
-
18:00

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Harbour Island is a small slip of island, extending three miles from north to south and less than half a mile wide. The island at the northern tip of the much larger Eleuthera Island. Despite its small size it has about 1,700 residents and one incorporated town, Dunmore Town, named after the governor of the Bahamas John Murray, the 4th Earl of Dunmore (1785 to 1798 governorship). The island is known for its pink sand beaches – the pink comes from a microscopic organism (foraminifera) with a reddish-pink shell. Harbour Island charms every visitor, with its colorful Colonial houses and wild horses occasionally spotted running along the serene beaches.

3

Exuma Island

Bahamas

jue 22 oct

jueves 22 oct

08:30
-
18:30

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Stretching over some 200 miles southeast of Nassau, the Exuma archipelago consists of 365 cays and islands. Next to Great Exuma and Little Exuma Moriah Harbour Cay National Park protects a wide array of habitats, including mangrove creeks, beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and sea grass beds.
Birds found in the area include Ospreys, Gull-billed and Least Terns, plovers, oystercatchers, and the nocturnal nighthawks. But perhaps Exuma’s most famous non-human residents are Big Major Cay’s swimming pigs at Pig Beach.

4

DÍA EN EL MAR

vie 23 oct

viernes 23 oct

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Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

5

PORT ANTONIO

Jamaica

sáb 24 oct

sábado 24 oct

08:00
-
16:00

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Port Antonio, on the Northeast coast of Jamaica, is the islands third largest port, mainly for bananas and coconuts. It is also an important tourist destination. In fact, it has been featured as a model of paradise in several famous Hollywood films such as Club Paradise and Cocktail. Port Antonio was a sleepy coastal town until the 1880s, when Lorenzo Dow Baker, an American businessman, started the banana trade in Jamaica and promoted Port Antonio as a vacation spot for wealthy Americans. "Portie", as it is nicknamed, became a boom town. Even the movie star Errol Flynn was enamoured and ended up buying property here after his yacht washed ashore in 1946. Today it is still a major destination with plenty to do and see, from stunning scenery, creative arts and crafts, and cultural and historical sites.

6

CAYMAN BRAC (Cayman Islands)

Islas Caimán

dom 25 oct

domingo 25 oct

09:30
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20:00

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First spotted on his fourth and final trans-Atlantic crossing in 1503 and originally named Las Tortugas by Christopher Columbus because of the many turtles he spotted on the island, Cayman Brac rears up out of the water as if surrounded by a fort. Think craggy limestone shores (although archetypal sandy beaches and blue lapping seas are assured on the north of the island), which have kept this Cayman relatively free from mass tourism. Because of her geographical location (145km from Grand Cayman) and her challenging coastal approach, life has remained very laid back here, with local enterprises being stonemasonry and fishing, although some mass tourism is being developed thanks mostly due to its pristine underwater eco-system ensuring divers and snorkellers some very special sights. The Brac, or “Bluff” has however been a magnetic pull to climbers in recent years, with over 100 sport climbs mapped out on the easterly cliff face.
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Despite its rich historical past the island is assuredly modern. The middle child of the Cayman Islands, Cayman Brac is just 19kms long (although its little sister, Little Cayman is 16km, while Grand Cayman, although still small, is by far the largest at 35 km). Nevertheless, the plethora of hidden caves, nature trails and abundant wildlife both above and below the water make this little gem a paradise for nature lovers.

7

DÍA EN EL MAR

lun 26 oct

lunes 26 oct

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Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

8

PROVIDENCIA ISLAND

Colombia

mar 27 oct

martes 27 oct

06:30
-
23:00

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9

SAN ANDRES ISLAND

Colombia

mié 28 oct

miércoles 28 oct

06:30
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12:00

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The San Andres and Providencia archipelago comprises Colombia's Caribbean islands, lying some 290 miles north of the South American coast. Palm-dotted San Andres is only eight miles long and two miles wide. It is noted for beautiful sand beaches, crystal-clear waters and good diving sites. At one time the island belonged to Britain and, according to local lore; it was a favorite hideout for the legendary pirate Henry Morgan. In 1822, San Andres came under the control of Colombia. In recent years the original population has greatly increased due to unrestricted immigration from the mainland. There are also Chinese and Middle Eastern communities. The official language is Spanish but English is widely spoken, especially in shops and hotels. The island is best seen via the scenic ring road that offers views of coves, beaches and palm groves.
Leer más In the interior stands a Baptist church dating from 1847, and the attraction at the southern end is the Hoyo Soplador, a geyser-like hole where the sea shoots jets of water intermittently into the air during the right wind and sea conditions. On the island's northern tip lies the main town and commercial center, known by the same name as the island. San Andres Town is surrounded by beaches, with small hotels lining the waterfront. Being a duty-free zone, the town often gets crowded with Colombian shoppers who come from the mainland looking for foreign-made goods at duty-free prices.
To reach the town from the tender landing requires an approximate 20-minute taxi ride. However, it is not uncommon for drivers to choose the longer way around the island for a higher fare. From the downtown waterfront, boats offer trips to Johnny Cay, a tiny island just a stone's throw across from town and known for its powdery white sand beach and rustic, laid-back atmosphere. San Andres Island’s main attraction is its location off the beaten track, as well as pretty scenery, sandy beaches and clear, warm waters. Tourism infrastructure is limited. Pier Information The ship is scheduled to anchor off El Cove. Guests will be taken ashore via the ship's tenders. The landing site is about a 20-minute drive from San Andres Town. There are plenty of taxi drivers offering their services. Please be sure to agree on the fare before setting out (the one-way fare should be around $30). Keep in mind that not all taxi drivers speak English. Shuttle buses are not available. Shopping Most shops in town carry duty-free imports. At New Point Plaza you will find shops selling local souvenir items and jewelry including emeralds. Some stores close between 12:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. The local currency is the peso. Many shops will accept U.S. dollars and major credit cards. Cuisine Outdoor cafés are available in town if you fancy a cold drink or a quick snack. Other Sites All of the island’s sights are covered on the San Andres Island Drive. Beaches Swimmers, snorkelers and sun seekers will find beach facilities right in town. One of the hotels also features water sport rentals. Johnny Cay can be reached via local boats departing from the waterfront. However, be aware that winds are fairly strong between November and January, which may cause delays for your return boat ride. There are no tourist facilities on Johnny Cay. Private cars/vans are not available in this port, except for taxis.

10

PUERTO LIMÓN

Costa Rica

jue 29 oct

jueves 29 oct

04:30
-
23:30

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Christopher Columbus became Costa Rica's first tourist when he landed on this stretch of coast in 1502 during his fourth and final voyage to the New World. Expecting to find vast mineral wealth, he named the region Costa Rica ("rich coast"). Imagine the Spaniards' surprise eventually to find there was none. Save for a brief skirmish some six decades ago, the country did prove itself rich in a long tradition of peace and democracy. No other country in Latin America can make that claim. Costa Rica is also abundantly rich in natural beauty, managing to pack beaches, volcanoes, rain forests, and diverse animal life into an area the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. It has successfully parlayed those qualities into its role as one the world's great ecotourism destinations. A day visit is short, but time enough for a quick sample.

11

BOCA DEL TORO

Panamá

vie 30 oct

viernes 30 oct

06:30
-
17:00

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Translated as Mouths of the Bull, Bocas del Toro is both a province and an archipelago in the northwest Caribbean Sea in Panama. The archipelago contains 10 larger islands (including the main Isla Colon, where the town of Bocas del Toro is situated), 50 cays and 200 tiny islets. The region contains Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park, Panama’s first national marine park that covers over 32,000 acres and protects forests, mangroves, monkeys, sloths, caiman, crocodile and 28 species of amphibians and reptiles. The park also contains Playa Larga, an important nesting site for sea turtles. With all there is to see in this region, visitors should also pause to enjoy the pristine white beaches lined with palm trees that lie all along the surrounding clear waters of the Chiriqui Lagoon

12

COLON

Panamá

sáb 31 oct

sábado 31 oct

Llegada
07:00

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The provincial capital of Colón, beside the canal's Atlantic entrance, is named for the Spanish-language surname of Christopher Columbus, though the Americans called it Aspinwall in the 19th century. It was once a prosperous city, as the architecture of its older buildings attests, but it spent the second half of the 20th century in steady decay.

12

COLON

Panamá

sáb 31 oct

sábado 31 oct

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The provincial capital of Colón, beside the canal's Atlantic entrance, is named for the Spanish-language surname of Christopher Columbus, though the Americans called it Aspinwall in the 19th century. It was once a prosperous city, as the architecture of its older buildings attests, but it spent the second half of the 20th century in steady decay.

13

COLON

Panamá

dom 01 nov

domingo 01 nov

Salida
04:30

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The provincial capital of Colón, beside the canal's Atlantic entrance, is named for the Spanish-language surname of Christopher Columbus, though the Americans called it Aspinwall in the 19th century. It was once a prosperous city, as the architecture of its older buildings attests, but it spent the second half of the 20th century in steady decay.

13

PANAMA CANAL TRANSIT

Panamá

dom 01 nov

domingo 01 nov

05:00
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05:00

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The Panama Canal bisects the country just to the west of Panama City, which enjoys excellent views of the monumental waterway. Between the canal and the rain forest that covers its islands, banks, and adjacent national parks, there is enough to see and do to fill several days. Central Panama stretches out from the canal across three provinces and into two oceans to comprise everything from the mountains of the Cordillera Central to the west, to the Caribbean coral reefs and colonial fortresses in the north, to the beaches of the Pearl Islands in the Bahía de Panamá (Bay of Panama) in the south. Most of this region can be visited on day trips from Panama City, but the hotels in gorgeous natural settings outside the city will make you want to do some overnights.
Leer más You could easily limit your entire vacation to Central Panama; the region holds most of the nation's history and nearly all the things that draw people to the country—beaches, reefs, islands, mountains, rain forests, indigenous cultures, and, of course, the Panama Canal. Within hours of Panama City, in many cases a fraction of an hour, you can enjoy bird-watching, sportfishing, hiking, golf, scuba diving, white-water rafting, horseback riding, whale watching, or lazing on a palm-lined beach. The Panama Canal can be explored from Panama City, Gamboa, or Colón, and its
attractions range from the wildlife of Barro Colorado Island to the feisty peacock bass that abound in Gatún Lake. The coast on either side of the canal's Caribbean entrance offers the remains of colonial fortresses hemmed by jungle, half a dozen beaches, and mile upon mile of coral reef, most of it between one and two hours from Panama City. The mountains to the east of the canal hold flora and fauna that you won't find in the forests that flank it, plus there are indigenous Emberá villages and a white-water rafting route on the Chagres River. The Pacific islands offer idyllic beaches, sportfishing, decent dive sites, and seasonal whale watching, all within 90 minutes of the capital by boat or plane. The coast to the southwest of Panama City also has some nice beaches, whereas the nearby highland refuge of El Valle presents exuberant landscapes populated by a multitude of birds and an ample selection of outdoor activities.

14

DARIEN JUNGLE

Panamá

lun 02 nov

lunes 02 nov

06:30
-
18:00

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The remote Darien Jungle has one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. It is also one of the world’s top ten birding sites, with the colourful Crimson-collared Tanager, Chestnut-fronted Macaws, and Snow-bellied Hummingbirds found here. Mammals include tapirs and Black-headed Spider Monkeys. In this roadless stretch of forest, rivers provide the best access. Visitors to the Darien Jungle are rare with fewer than 1,000 tourists visiting each year. The Embera are one of several indigenous groups that live here in relative isolation offering ornate handcrafted baskets and carvings for sale in their traditional villages.

15

BAHIA SOLANO (Choco)

Colombia

mar 03 nov

martes 03 nov

07:30
-
11:00

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Bahía Solano is located in splendid isolation; connected to the outside world by a single, small local airport. Tucked inside a bay, the small Columbian town is lined by the Pacific Ocean on one side and thick, impenetrable jungle flush with waterfalls on the other. The majority of the 10,000 residents work in local industries, which are predominantly fishing, agriculture and eco-tourism. In addition to a quaint town with its local schools, shops, businesses, church, and library, there is a small fishing port here with a display of the locally caught fish, which are flown out daily to the main cities of Colombia. The village also supports a regional botanical reserve that is dedicated to the protection and conservation of local wildlife through education and recovery.

15

UTRIA NATIONAL PARK (Nuqui Harbour)

Colombia

mar 03 nov

martes 03 nov

Llegada
16:30
-

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Sitting on Colombia’s Pacific coast is the lush tract of Utría National Park. From coral reefs and mangroves in the marine realm, to tropical rainforest and rocky beaches where sea turtles come to lay their eggs, few places in the world encompass the diversity of Utría’s ecosystems. The forest here offers a choice of trails to explore. In addition to a wealth of wildlife, the park boasts several species of impressive timber trees, notably the area’s beloved Cohiba tree and the Oquendo tree, which are used in the creation of local art and handicrafts.

16

UTRIA NATIONAL PARK (Nuqui Harbour)

Colombia

mié 04 nov

miércoles 04 nov

Salida
12:00

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Sitting on Colombia’s Pacific coast is the lush tract of Utría National Park. From coral reefs and mangroves in the marine realm, to tropical rainforest and rocky beaches where sea turtles come to lay their eggs, few places in the world encompass the diversity of Utría’s ecosystems. The forest here offers a choice of trails to explore. In addition to a wealth of wildlife, the park boasts several species of impressive timber trees, notably the area’s beloved Cohiba tree and the Oquendo tree, which are used in the creation of local art and handicrafts.

17

GORGONA ISLAND

Colombia

jue 05 nov

jueves 05 nov

06:30
-
11:30

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Isla Gorgona is a beautiful tropical island and a national park. Packed with lush green rainforest, palm trees and beaches full of black volcanic rocks, this little island off the Colombian coast was used by Pizarro and his thirteen followers before they eventually went south to inspect and later conquer Peru. The island is named after its plentiful supply of snakes, which might have been one of the reasons to utilize the island until the 1980s as a prison. Today only limited amounts of visitors are allowed ashore to explore the prison ruins, hike in the rainforest or snorkel.

18

ISLA DE LA PLATA

Ecuador

vie 06 nov

viernes 06 nov

14:00
-
18:30

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Isla de la Plata translates to ‘Island of Silver’, and the name was derived from the legend of swashbuckling pirate Sir Francis Drake’s buried silver treasure. The popular legend states that in the 16th century, hundreds of tons of silver and gold were never fully recovered and are still hidden on the island. The island was privately owned until 1979, when it was declared part of Ecuador’s Machalilla National Park. Best known for its fauna, which is amazingly similar to that of the Galapagos Islands, Isla de la Plata is a delightful place for birding, photography and long nature walks. Although just south of the equator, the influences of the colder Humboldt Current bring nutrient-rich water as far north as Isla de la Plata.

19

MACHALA

Ecuador

sáb 07 nov

sábado 07 nov

09:00
-
18:00

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Several National Sanctuaries and Ecological Reserves found near Machala boast sun-drenched beaches and mangrove forests. Pelicans, frigatebirds, and egrets nest nearby as Blue-footed Boobies dive for fish further out to sea. Whales and dolphins can occasionally be seen in the vicinity. Machala, with a population of approximately 250,000 inhabitants, is moreover known for traditional Latin American foods from shrimp ceviche to fried bananas. In fact, bananas feature heavily in the culture as the city is also known as the “Capital of the Banana.” During the third week of September the ‘World Fair of the Banana’ is held here and producers and buyers from Perú, Costa Rica, Colombia, Venezuela, México, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Argentina, Guatemala, Panamá, República Dominicana, El Salvado, Honduras and Ecuador attend the event.

GUAYAQUIL

Ecuador

dom 08 nov

domingo 08 nov

Llegada
08:00

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This tropical city of more than two million people spreads out along the banks of the chocolate-colored Guayas River, about 12 miles inland from the Gulf of Guayaquil. The river, navigable for the largest of ocean vessels, makes Guayaquil one of the Pacific’s most important and best-protected ports. Approximately 85% of Ecuador’s exports flows through this port and down the Guayas River to the outside world. Guayaquil is a city of industry, oil and sugar refineries, cement mills, breweries, and several other factories concentrated along the crowded riverbanks. For travelers, it is primarily a gateway to the Galapagos Islands as well as to the rest of the country. The city itself offers an interesting history. In July 1822, the two greatest Latin American heroes, Bolivar and San Martin, met for secret negotiations to determine the fate of Guayaquil.
Leer más As a result, the city was incorporated into Gran Colombia, a union comprised of Venezuela and Colombia. Later, the country was annexed by the Viceroyalty of Peru until the war of independence from Spanish rule started in 1809. Ecuador is only about the size of Colorado, but the country offers remarkable and beautiful contrasts. Many visitors claim it to be their favorite country in South America. Ecuador’s scenic capital, Quito, can be reached via a 45-minute flight from Guayaquil. Lush green hillsides, snow-capped volcano cones and brilliant sunshine combine to make Quito a charming surprise. But it is the Galapagos Islands that rank at the top of most visitors’ itineraries. Called by the Spanish Encantadas, or enchanted isles, this cluster of volcanic islands lies 600 miles off the coast and just south of the equator. Their claim to fame originated with Charles Darwin. It was during his voyage on the HMS Beagle when he made his scientific observations that eventually led to his theory of evolution as outlined in The Origin of Species. In 1959, the centenary of the publication of Darwin’s famous book, the government of Ecuador and the International Darwin Foundation established, with the support of UNESCO, the Charles Darwin Research Station at Academy Bay, one mile from Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. At the same time, the islands were designated by the government as a National Park in order to protect and preserve the many unique animals and plants found in the Galapagos. In 1979, the United Nations declared the islands a World Heritage Site. Caution: Guests are advised not to carry any valuables ashore and to be mindful of their belongings at all times in the city.